Sequel to Indian Minute to Win It

The Indian version of Minute to Win It is set to return for a second season and this time too, Gaurav Kapoor will host the game show. But although the anchor was criticised aplenty for his fashion sense and lack of pace in the first season, the producer insists it was Gaurav’s insistence that helped him make up his mind about the Indian version.

“We haven’t changed our team at all. They were technical issues, which were fairly easy to resolve,” says Liam Cassady, director of international production, NBC Universal, adding, “We have polished the show with more pace and excitement. We added to the adventure of the games and journey of contestants to come out well. Even Gaurav will be seen in a different suave yet sporty look this time.”

Cassady believes that the main challenge of adapting the show to an Indian format was finding the right balance between reproducing the show and keeping it true to its original version: “Since it’s a family friendly show, it doesn’t need a great deal of adaptation. Today, India is seen as a market where international show formats are imported for huge amounts, but the potential for worldwide distribution and exploitation of Indian formats has yet not been tapped.”

The producer has previously visited India when he worked with BBC Productions on The Weakest Link: “I am hoping to come back and spend some time immersing myself in the TV market here, which is shockingly vast. The rest of the world hasn’t tuned into the talent and the amazing shows India is producing. Someone has to pay attention to it and bring it to the West.” Cassady is currently overlooking the adaptation of the second season of AXN India’s Minute to Win It, which is being filmed in Malaysia. The show premieres on October 8 at 8 pm in India.